The word of the day is escheated. Today I received a notice from our previous dental insurance company. It seems we failed to cash a check for $158 from July 2009. Three and a half years ago! And now we have a chance to claim it?

Really?The instructions on the notice say "Please return this letter by 1/31/2013. If we do not receive a timely response, your monies may be escheated and you must file a claim with the state [to] obtain your monies. (They left out the "to" - oh well.)"Escheated" is a legal term that applies to property that has reverted to the state. Let me just say that there will be no escheated monies here. I'm sending this puppy in faster than Santa can land his reindeer on my roof. $158 isn't a fortune, but it's a nice chunk of change. And I'm just flabbergasted that the state would hold onto that money for so long. And give us a chance to get it back.Miracles do happen. Thank you universe, the State of California, the powers that be. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. I am so grateful.Big hugs,Nanette